Why can't I get excited about the Dolphin?

[zagafi]

Ok, I know it's a "Deluxe" (other than location, I'm not sure why, though), and the location is good, and the teacher rate is excellent...but I just can't get excited about staying there. We had a balcony room booked with the teacher rate, but when the DC discounts came out, I switched to CBR. I think the CBR looks fresh and fun, and well..."Disney". I've tried really hard not to buy into the Swan/Dolphin not being "Disney" enough, but I just cannot get pumped about staying there even with the great rate. I've read lots of negatives about them, but to be fair, I've read many of the same complaints about Disney resorts.

Anyone else feel this way? I know it's foolish to pass judgment without experiencing something, but I just don't feel excited about staying there. (Granted, if it's there or nothing, I'll stay there!)

 

[Leigh123]

zanesmama,

I am sort of in the same boat as you....I have a great deal at the Dolphin (DH works for the Gov). However, all the mildew and bad bed posts I have read on here have made me doubt if I truly want to stay there..My other concern is that I travel all the time for business and now I am worried I will feel like I am working being in a non disney hotel.....then I think the heck with it I am a WDW and I leave this Saturday so it would be way to hectic to change stuff around...I mean where is can you say, ah I do not like my hotel, let's go ride splash mountain!

 

[Bill From PA]

We recently decided to keep our Nov. ressies to Dolphin based on reports here that there is no lack of 'Disney Atmosphere' at S/D and the location is perfect for the kinds of things we like to do. Each of our WDW trips have featured pleasant surprises and I'll allow Dolphin to provide some this Fall.


Bill From PA

 

[skuttle]

We've stayed at the Dolphin for our last two trips and enjoyed it very much! The location cannot be beat and the resort is beautiful. The pool is also amazing! IMO, it's just as Disney as the other resorts...except for maybe the Allstars. I really don't find any of the mod and deluxe resorts really "disney". We stayed at the GF for our honeymoon and I think the Dolphin is just as disney w/ the exception of mickey wake-up calls and pressed penny machines (I collect pressed pennies). Plus, at the Dolphin we had a room w/ a view of Epcot...you can't get much more Disney than a view of Epcot and Illuminations every night. We have always enjoyed staying at the Dolphin and would definately do so again. We've never experienced anything bad during our stays. Please don't give up on the Dolphin just because it's not an official Disney resort. It's a wonderful resort.

 

[Disney Fool]

I agree with the above post. you want Disney? What does a Disney hotel have? A Disney Store in the lobby? The Dolphin has that. Characters coming to the hotel? The Dolphin has that. Disney Characters at meals? That, too. Bus service? YUP. On Disney property? Uh-huh. Oh, you don't like it because there are business travelers, and conventions? Doesn't the Coronado Springs have conventions, too as well as the Grand Floridian???? Oh, you want hidden mickeys? Yup, got that, too. Oh, I see...no Mickey wake up call. Well, Swan/Dolphin doesn't have that, I guess you can't have everything....

 

[zagafi]

I realize it has all those things (and truly, I could care less about conventioneers), but still...it just doesn't stir me. Maybe it's that it's not "themed", who knows. I didn't say it made sense!

 

[Disney Fool]

All hotels have a different "feel". A lot of posters don't like the darker atmosphere of the AKL. But, in all honesty, if Disney were trying for an authentic replica of a lodge in Kenya, I don't think it would be too bright and cutesy! The darker atmosphere works for the purpose it was intended. The animals are the stars there. I think the Dolphin should be viewed the same way. It's whimsical, odd, over-the-top large. But that may not be your cup of tea. You don't have to explain it. You may prefer a smaller, more completely themed resort. It's your preference. But, believe me, the Dolphin IS Disney--there's no way you can stay there and convince yourself that you're not in the heart of Mouse country!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I never really cared for the architecture and themeing of the
Swan/Dolphin. I could never get excited obout it, either. It's just not my style. I much prefer the decor of Port Orleans Riverside, AB section. That said.....I am returning to the Swan for the 2nd time. The location, ease of transportation,
AND the gov't discount, FAR outweighs the regular Disney resorts. My favorite park is Epcot.

 

[poppins50]

I'll be excited for you (LOL). I love the theme the beach scene hallways and cabana doors. I love the grotto pool too and looking out onto the Epcot Sphere (if I'm lucky) or Tower of Terror. My 4 yr.old dd (so did I) like it better than the Allstar Movies and Contemporary. I went there 4 times last year and I can't wait to go back. I don't know if I'm more excited about the hotel or Disney world.
DD very often plays hotel with her Barbie palace and imitates how we drive up to the Dolphin, go to the pool, ect.

It's funny how tastes run from opposite sides of the spectrum.

 

[DisneyVa.]

We just got back a couple of weeks ago from a week at the Dolphin. It was great! I too had read negative reports on the board but found none of them true when we were there. (Except I will agree the beds need to be replaced. This was our 10th trip to Disney World and it is without a doubt my family's favorite!! We had just left the Cr the week before but still prefered the Dolphin. We have stayed in years past at: All stars (music and sports, CBR(2 times), CS, POR, POF(2 times), OKW and CR. We really liked the Dolphin the best. It is very relaxing which I enjoy after a busy day in the parks. Ask for a upper floor. We have reservations again this year (Dec. 28th -Jan. 4th) for the Swan. We decided to try it too!

 

[bamadisney]

Sorta changing the subject, but I am a teacher and am interesting in knowing the rate you got for the dolphin. Was it that good?

 

[Bill From PA]

bamadisney,

We're paying $129 base rate for Nov. 2002, but we booked before the price increase. I understand it's $139 or even $149 now.



Bill From PA

 

[NancyIL]

The teacher/nurse/government employee rate had gone up to $149 for a short time, then came back down to $129.

 

[hmp2z]

Hi! I completely know what you mean. A lot of people enjoy the Dolphin - then again, a lot of people enjoy the moderates & value resorts, whereas I prefer the deluxes. The thing that really gets us about the Dolphin is not any bad reports that we've read, but 2 things: when I walk inside, I feel like I'm in a Sheraton. It's a nice Sheraton, with a great view & great location, but it's still a Sheraton (I have no idea what brand hotel the Dolphin is - am just using Sheraton as a generic business hotel, like Marriott). 2nd thing is the pervasive smell of cigarette smoke; to us, that's very un-Disney. We're used to the reality cushion at WDW, and cigarette smoke is very real and intrusive.
Not saying the Swan & Dolphin aren't likeable resorts; they're just not our style, and we definitely see differences between these and the Disney owned hotels.
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Blondie]

I never really cared for the architecture and themeing of the Swan/Dolphin.

I used to think the same thing, until I stayed there! Now we are hooked! I think it is just as much Disney as any of the other resorts on WDW property!

As someone already posted, it doesn't get any more Disney than watching the fireworks from Epcot's Illuminations every night from your balcony! And at night, when you can see Spaceship Earth all 'a glitter' it takes my breath away!

I think if you are so down about staying there, you are bound to not enjoy yourself. You really need to get over that and not let it ruin your stay. Open your mind to new possibilities!

We've stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin now and are returning to the Swan in January. I prefer the Dolphin for it's festive atmosphere, but it's booked solid for a BIG convention during the same time frame.

But that's okay...the Swan is elegant and refined, and will do just fine!

Please, give it a try. It may not be your cup of tea, then again, it may reel you in, hook, line and sinker!

 

[dreamflight99]

The WDW DOLPHIN is my/our #1 favorite! We have stayed at EVERY resort on property over the past 12 years (consecutively--with the exception of the value resorts & AKL), and saved the Dolphin for last. Well...once we stayed at the Dolphin, we just didn't wish to stay anywhere else! Better service, LATE check-out, optimal location, less-crowded, In/On Disney...but not so DISNEY-ITIS!, SPG program Points w/each stay!, Well-themed decor/rooms, heavenly pool...etc.! The view is also spectacular.
I just returned two days ago from an extended stay (more than a month) at the Dolphin. The executive suite is large and roomy, the view (again) astonishing, and the service...top rate.

But...to each his/her own. You are certainly entitled to stay anywhere you like. In fact, the less people whom select the Dolphin/Swan, (or Discover the secret) the better for moi!! LOL Wherever you decide...I hope you have a wonderful, magical time!

 

[zagafi]

Ok, I let dh choose our resort for this trip (we did the pros/cons thing) and he chose the Dolphin. Truly, it's not that I'm "down" on it, I just think I've allowed things I've read here to sway my opinion. Our list of pros *was* heavily in favor of the Dolphin, and many of them came from my list.

The one thing I *do* like immensely is the discounts that are available during times when, historically, Disney offers none.

I appreciate all the feedback I've gotten on this thread, so thanks very much. I will have a wonderful time, I'm sure, and to be very honest, I'm quite looking forward to seeing that lobby in person!

Pam

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

I have never experienced any mildew or problems the last two summers we have visited! We were nervous at first like you but the minute we walked into the lobby, WE WERE BLOWN AWAY! Everything is larger and grander there! The rooms are so nice, the views are incredible, location incredible, architecture incredible, food incredible....wow I love to say incredible about this hotel! It seems as though out of how many thousands of people who stay at the hotel, a few spotted "mildew" ?

Truly is any hotel every going to be perfect? This hotel is so big that I find it easy for everything to not always be perfect.

To summarize, you will be dissapointed if you switch to a Disney moderate because I felt a heck of a lot more "disney" stayind at the Dolphin than I did at the Carribean Beach!

Dolphin rocks!

Mike

 

[dgroet]

We just returned from the land/sea vacation at WDW. We stayed next door to the Dolphin at the Beach Club. I was admiring the Dolphin and Swan resorts during our stay. I didn't go inside, but i did have to return a National rent a car at the Dolphin. They had the same great staff in the entrance/unload zone as the beach Club. The WDW buses stop at the resorts, and the boats to Epcot and MGM have a stop in front of the Swan and Dolphin. The Dolphin's entrance always had limo's and Town cars waiting, and the grounds were kept just as specctacular as the other resorts. One difference, was the lack of a gate at the entrance. Everyone could just pull right into the parking lot. At the disney resorts, there is a manned security gate you must drive through to gain access to the parking lot/hotel.

 

[Nolcrest]

I'd say to go with your gut feeling, for whatever reason. In July I had ressies for the CR and like you I just couldn't get excited about it and I didn't know quite why. I ended up switching ressies to CBR and I was much happier. During our visit we did stop at the CR to see if we made a big mistake and I'm happy to say we didn't. I just didn't care for it when I was there in person either. No specific reason it was just a feeling I had when I was there.